Our Pastor

Rev. Dr. Franklin D. Watkins is the Senior Pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Harrisburg, North Carolina. He is committed to preaching and teaching the Word of God and he is a fervent believer in prayer.

Rev. Watkins believes in ministering to the total person: mind, body and soul. He believes in reaching out and serving the community. He is firmly committed to seeking the Lord and being led by the Spirit of God in every aspect of his life. His focus is on studying the Word of God and seeking the will of God through prayer. He strives to create a church environment where love abounds.

The church continues to grow spiritually and physically under the leadership of Rev. Watkins. Some of the ministries that have been established under his leadership are Intercessory Prayer, Shepherd, Marriage, Men, Women, Adopt a School, SWAGGA Youth Ministry, Seniors, Narcotics Anonymous, and Nursing.

Rev. Watkins was ordained as a Gospel Minister in the Mount Peace Association, Charlotte, NC in 1999.

He was called as Pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church in March 2005 and he continues to serve there.

Rev. Watkins educational achievements are:

Doctor of Ministry, Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, NC

Master of Divinity Degree, Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, NC

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics, Tennessee State University

Rev. Watkins was employed with Procter & Gamble for 24 years and worked as an Information Technology Manager. After leaving Procter & Gamble, Rev. Watkins continued his career with Bonded Logistics, Inc. where he worked as Customer Service and Information Technology Manager. He retired from Bonded Logistics, Inc. to work full time as Senior Pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church in 2010.

Rev. Watkins is committed and involved in community service. He is a member of the United Missionary Baptist Association Executive Board. He has previously served as President of the Harrisburg Crisis Assistance Ministry Board of Directors. He is the former President of Back Creek Downs Community Association.

Rev. Watkins is married to Mrs. Karen Watkins. He is also a father and a grandfather.

Most importantly, Rev. Watkins is a committed servant of God.

His spiritual goal is Ephesians 4:12-13, “To equip God's people to do God's work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ that we will be mature and fully grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.”

Rev. Watkins was ordained as a Deacon at Corinthian Baptist Church, Cincinnati, OH in 1980. Rev. Watkins was ordained as a Gospel Minister in the Mount Peace Association, Charlotte NC in 1999.

Rev. Watkins was employed with Procter & Gamble for 24 years and worked as an Information Technology Manager. After leaving Procter & Gamble, Rev. Watkins continued his career with Bonded Logistics, Inc. where he worked as Customer Service and Information Technology Manager. He retired from Bonded Logistics, Inc. to work full time as Senior Pastor of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in 2010.

Rev. Watkins is also committed to community involvement and service. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Harrisburg Crisis Assistance Ministry. He is the President of the Back Creek Downs Community Association.

Rev. Watkins is married to Mrs. Karen Watkins. He is also a father and a grandfather.

Most importantly, Rev. Watkins is a committed servant of God.

His spiritual goal is Ephesians 4:12-13, “To equip God's people to do God's work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ that we will be mature and fully grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.”